THANE: From wiping out illegal encroachments in green zones to expanding green cover manifold by bringing the numerous state-wide environmental projects to the district, IFS officer Rajendra Kadam, who took over the reins of the Chief Conservator of Forests (Thane) last week, has chalked out an ambitious plan.

Kadam, who comes from the 1998 cadre of the Indian Forest Service, was instrumental in taking up numerous ecological projects to conserve the green zones and biodiversity in Dhule, where he held the position of the CCF until his shift to Thane.

While the forest official has numerous projects lined up in the district, his main focus here will be the protection of the existing forest cover and accelerating the existing projects on eco-tourism, increasing the green cover through tree plantation drives and so on.

Kadam said, "Forests do not require our help to grow. If left untouched, it has the potential to flourish and attract birds, animals, reptiles and other fauna that call it their homes. However, over the years, the increasing demand for land coupled with citizens' ignorance has resulted in acres of green cover succumbing to illegal encroachments and man-made forest fires."

He added, "I plan to first focus on ridding the forest area of encroachments and roping in citizens to prevent man-made forest fires and then focus on bringing back the greenery and bio-diversity in these areas." In addition to cracking down on these illegal activities that have resulted in the hacking of green zones over the past few decades and increasing the awareness on environmental conservation amongst citizens, the IFS officer will also be pushing ahead and completing the existing green initiatives.

"Thane has the potential to be one of the biggest bio-diversity hotspot and thus is an ideal eco-tourism hub. Before starting any new projects, I will ensure that projects that have been taken up are completed," he said.